Social Things: An Introduction to the Sociological Life

In the new fourth edition of Social Things Charles Lemert continues to build on the remarkable narrative that first appeared in 1997. The author brings new material into almost every chapter-a stunning account of Hurricane Katrina to illustrate sociological incompetence, new material on maquiladora workers and low-wage immigrant farm workers, an expanded presentation of Pierre Bourdieu's thinking, discussions of America's exploitation of the natural resources of less-developed nations in, new material on Bourdieu and social incompetence, as well as updated information and facts throughout the book.

The fourth edition of Social Things is as poignant and readable as ever with new material to help introduce sociology as a discipline and a way of life to a new generation of students and readers of all ages. As before, Lemert captivates his readers by helping them understand that, as he puts it, _sociology is, first of all, a thing lived_ which makes us all practical sociologists.

Booknews

The first edition appeared in 1977. The book is primarily for use in introductory sociology classes. Part story and history, it shows how we would not encounter "individuals who trust or threaten us were it not for social forces beyond our reach...." What this means is that Lemert (sociology, Wesleyan) is interested in how individuals' lives are shaped not only by intention and local conditions, but also by global forces, especially political and economic events and trends. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

Charles Lemert is Andrus Professor of Sociology at Wesleyan University in Connecticut, and is the author of many widely read books, including, most recently, Survivor Stories with Anthony Elliott; Dark Thoughts: Race and the Eclipse of Society; and Postmodernism Is Not What You Think: How Globalization Threatens Modernity.